Locke's "Two Treatises of Government"

John Locke's "Two Treatises of Government" argues that governments should protect individuals' natural rights to life, liberty, and property. He contends that political power comes from the consent of the governed and should be limited; if a government fails to safeguard these rights or becomes oppressive, people have the right to change or overthrow it. Locke promotes the idea of a social contract where individuals self-organize for mutual protection, emphasizing that authority is justified only when it serves the common good and respects citizens' freedoms. His ideas greatly influenced modern democracy and constitutional government.